Earlier this week, it emerged that the Greater London Authority (GLA) is seeking to use residential backed mortgage securities (RMBS) to diversify its investments. At present, there is little direct investment in RMBS by council treasurers. However, the GLA’s proposal looks set to change this trend.

Speaking at an event in central London earlier this week, GLA chief investment officer Luke Webster said the body will adopt the financial instruments if London Mayor Boris Johnson gives them the go-ahead.

“The GLA is certainly sold on the RMBS investment case. So, subject to the mayor’s approval, we will be investing in this asset class,” he said.

RMBS would be run by external managers following a procurement process. Credit specialist 24AM, which currently manages over £3 billion ($4.27bn) worth of asset backed securities, is one such contender.

Ethical finance researcher Joel Benjamin said residential mortgage backed securities played a significant role in the global financial crisis.

Amid growing concern over a looming crash in London’s luxury property market, he told RT that the timing of GLA’s announcement is significant.

Benjamin accused banks and speculators of unloading mortgage default risk onto the backs of taxpayers and pension holders. He said the GLA’s shady investment plans had been sparked by a desire to avoid financial turmoil in the face of a property crash.